Okay, so I sometimes feel as though I am a bliss­killer. Currently there is a Facebook posting that says this New Year you can wipe away all your past and begin the New Year a shiny, sparkly new you. Yes, I am paraphrasing. This posting offers the upcoming New Moon as the reason for this abrupt departure from the past and massive leap into a future without..well without you. You never 'leave' a an old year behind you, you take it with you. It also cites the rarity of a New Moon on a New Year. Sorry, but in the timeless tradition of Astrology such an event is far from rare. So why are they saying this? Are they in the bliss business? Is it Astrology? Is it life? Is it helpful? The answer to the last three questions is, no. What does this New Moon and New Year offer? Let's have a look.

The Planets move. They move irregardless of our calendars. The Planets are timeless and therefore do not give a whit about man­-made time. Our New Year, 2014 begins at midnight. The New Moon in Capricorn occurs at 7:14am, January 1st, 2014. As some of you know, New Moons mark a new cycle. During the course of any month, we experience a New Moon. Each of these New Moon cycles has its own themes. These themes outline what we can expect in our personal lives and the world. Do remember that your Birth Chart is a sacred and unique map and any New Moon will activate energies that are encoded in your map. Yes, it is a new cycle. And a New Year. But one does not have to do with the other. New Moon Capricorn­ 2014I am probably not the only Astrologer that finds it a bit unusual to talk about a Capricorn Moon as 'New'. Capricorn is old. This New Moon in old Capricorn makes some powerful connections to other Planets, creating a complex picture. In general, Moon Capricorn is practical, earthy and loves a good plan. When the Lunar Goddess is in Capricorn, she tells us coolly to get real. She asks us to examine our role in the world. She asks us to explore the meaning of authority. She asks us to act with dignity and to treat others with dignity. She asks us to take our hopeful whispers of new beginnings and make them matter. And, she also asks us to practice our promises. Capricorn love to practice. Global Chart for 2014We live under the same sky. And under the vastness of our shared sky, we begin our New Year with hope for a more loving and kind world. What chances and challenges does the Global Chart for 2014 offer? As I mentioned earlier, the Planets keep moving irrespective of dates on our calendars. For example, the Planet Saturn has been in Scorpio since October 2012 and will remain in Scorpio until December 2014. Astrology and Astrologers can create a Chart for new businesses, a marriage, surgery or any event or situation where taking a look at where all the Planets are and what patterns they make is of benefit. Our 2014 Global Chart is a snapshot of the year ahead. However there are other, longer Planetary patterns and cycles to consider. For now, we will briefly look at this snapshot. Each and every New Year, the Global Chart begins with Libra on the Ascendent. This means that each and every year, we have the opportunity to co­operate, to playnice. Oh, the Gods and Goddesses are patient! This year, there are some extra Planetary energies in Libra that promote the innate human desire for peace, fairness and justice for all. We will continue to be reminded that our resources are limited as Saturn continues his steady journey through Scorpio. More reality checks for the world in regards to monetary resources as well are clearly indicated. The Moon, although not new at the stroke of midnight, will be leaving behind a tense connection with Uranus. We can expect, December 31st to be quite tense with the markings of a fresh revolution in the coming months. An important turning point is etched in the 2014 Global Chart when the New Moon at 7:14am, forms a connection to a Planet that rules transformation. This powers up a longer cycle, which has at its core, a massive change in how we see authority, governments, business structures and a re­drawing of our map. In this New Year, we will see more people demand those in positions of power be held accountable. People who normally view life and the world from the sidewalk will feel compelled to become involved. This New Moon is not gentle. As she aligns with Pluto, she demands we alter ourhabitual patterns. Rather then meet this energy with courageous honesty, we may betempted to indulge in manipulative behavior. Hint:­ it will not work. Our LunarGoddess also squares off with the God of War, Mars. On a personal level, ouremotions and our actions will not be in-sync for a few hours. This can result inemotional outbursts. Breathe! On a Global level, this connection will result in..yesmore anger. This New Moon also opposes the Planet of abundance and inspiration,Jupiter. A good question to ask yourself, "Are my emotional needs, (Moon) at oddswith my aspirations?" On a Global level, watch for promises that cannot be kept.Wild exaggerations and amplified behaviors are to be expected! As I said, this isnot a simple New Moon!New battles and old battles not quite resolved will be making headlines, especially between April 20 and July 18. More value will be placed on home and family. We will see this reflected in trends for 2014. Traditional and classic are also themes we will see in fashion, music and movies.

We begin 2014, with the North Node (Dragon's Head) still in Scorpio. This tells us how vitally important it is to move forward, to eliminate what no longer works in our life and the life of our Planet. In February, the Dragon's Head moves into Libra. This influence offers miracles for us and the world, when we work together. A 'me first' attitude will meet with frustrations and failure. Not a good year for narcissistic types! Of course, there is much more to say about Global events for 2014. The overall theme of accessing and radiating your inner authority is an important one. What happens in our outer world is a reflection of us, and each one of us holds a key to a more loving and kind world. May you be light and laugh at your fears in 2014 and beyond. May you Love outrageously. May you share your full wild self. May you wake each day and knowyou matter. I will leave you with a reflection from a particular symbolic system, called the 'Sabian Symbols.' The following was written for a Planet at ten degrees Capricorn.

On January 1st at 7:14am, we have, under our shared sky, the Moon and the Sun at this degree. 'Overcoming of instinctive fears through gentle persuasion. Kindly conquest. Culture of Spiritual values. Harmlessness.'